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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

I'm going to be judging a cook-off this Saturday night with Sam (the Cooking Guy) Zien at my temple, Congregation Beth Israel. I was asked if I could fill the crowd in on five of the best values in local dining in San Diego. I've got some of my own ideas, but, of course, I wanted to reach out to my friends on Twitter and Facebook and already have been getting some great suggestions. You'll find a lot of the value is at the happy hour, but not exclusively.

Here's what I've heard so far from followers and friends (sorry PR folks, no good just giving me client names; what's the deal?). Please let me know if you have any favorites!

1. Wine Vault & Bistro's Saturday five-course tasting menu for $30.2. Surati Farsan on Black Mountain Road: Four-course meal for $12. "Killer dosas for $4. Yummy belpuri chast."3. Sunday lunch at Sakura on Convoy. Miso salmon and all the fixings.4. Wet Stone on 4th for wine and small plates. Happy hour specials during the week.5. The Marble Room downtown. "A relatively new spot in the Gaslamp that has an interesting variety of entrees and appetizers at reasonable prices compared to other upscale Gaslamp hot spots. They don't advertise as "Tapas Style" but it really is so it's fun and affordable good food."6. Spices Thai7. Cafe Sevilla is "right-sizing their menu in terms of both portions and prices, including many tapitas at $5 or under. And, their happy hour at the tapas bar includes 16 dishes, most of which are $4 and under along with daily drink specials."8. Tender Greens. "It's a great value. You can get a great fresh from the farm organic meal for under $15."9. The Pearl. "On Mondays we do a three-course meal for $25 with happy hour pricing all night."

To that I add:1. Sbicca: Half-priced wine Tuesday and Thursday. No corkage Sunday and Monday. Half-price bar food nightly between 4 and 6:30.2. Opera Cafe & Patisserie: An unlikely location in Sorrento Valley's office park area but wonderful French food priced very reasonably. Mostly breakfast and lunch, but they're now open Fridays for dinner and are serving wine.3. Starlite: Come for early bird food specials during happy hour or stop by for a late-night meal.4. Avenue 5: Another happy hour pick. Great prices for terrific food in Bankers Hill.5. Tapenade: Authentic French food is very accessible at their happy hour and with their Bar-Tapas menu. Or try their Riviera three-course lunch menu for $21.95.6. Laurel: 7 before Seven happy hour -- seven drinks, seven eats at $7 each. Plus, Mondays at the bar: Wagyu beef burger, truffle fries and beer for $14.95. Tapas Tuesdays at the bar: Chef comes out and makes tapas from 5 to 8:30. Mad Wednesdays selected bottles of wine are half price.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

One of my favorite places in town to shop and enjoy good conversation is Taste Artisan Cheese in Hillcrest. I've written about them before, but this past week I stopped by to see what owner Mary Palmer had in stock and got samples of lots of interesting, some even astoundingly good, cheeses. Here are a few I wanted to share.

Roquefort Carles. This is, surprisingly, the last handmilled Roquefort that's made and made exclusively with Rye bread. This sheep's milk cheese is the specialty of Aveyron district of south central France. Crumble it on a salad or in pasta, add it to a sauce or, of course, eat it on its own. It pairs well with Sauternes or Port or even Sherry.

Rogue River Blue. I love blues and this one is simply spectacular. It's a domestic cow's milk blue cheese made by Rogue Creamery in Salem, Ore. What adds to its unique flavor is their technique of wrapping each wheel in local grape leaves that had been macerated in Pear Brandy. Not only does this add to the sublime flavors but it helps keep the cheese moist and creamy. Then, according to Mary, the cheese is aged at least a year in limestone. I took a wedge of this home with me. It's that irristible.

Five-Year Farmers Gouda. I'm a sucker for cheeses that give that little bit of crystalized crunch. Ten-year Hook's cheddar is one. Five-year Farmers Gouda is another. It's just a happy, sweet and nutty cheese that I don't want to pair with anything. I just want to cut in and nosh on it endlessly. This is what Parmigiano-Reggiano would taste like if it had a little butterscotch in it. I've been nibbling on it with little triangles of brown sugar shortbread I baked last week. Mary says it's great with dark chocolate. Try it with a glass of Port or Sauternes, a full-bodied red wine or dark beer.

Mary also sent me home with a container of shredded cheese. It's kind of a mystery as to what's in it, although it definitely includes some of the wonderful Farmers Gouda.

I wanted to see how it would melt, so yesterday I took the last "everything" bagel one of my LA cousins brought me from the great Western Bagel company, sliced it in half and did a preliminary toast in my toaster oven.

Then I sprinkled the cheese on the bagel and put it back in the toaster oven. It did a lovely melt.

It was wonderful on the bagel, but now I know I can add it to pasta for a creamy melt. It'll be great in an omelet or scrambled eggs, incorporated in risotto, sprinkled on a salad or tostada or in a taco, or melted over polenta. And, let's face it, it's got the fabulous flavors that the packages of shredded cheese you can buy at the supermarket are sadly lacking.

Along with the cheeses, my friend Diane and I sampled some olive oils Mary and her husband George are considering stocking. You can also find a selection of chocolates, Rey Knight's salumi, baguettes from Charlie's Best Bread in Pacific Beach and an assortment of condiments that marry well with cheese. If you've got any questions for Mary about cheese, twitter her @shreddedblend. She's a kick and will enjoy chatting with you.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

I haven't stopped thinking about these little pancakes since I tried them a couple of Sundays ago at the Hillcrest Farmers Market.

These little half-dollar gems, coconut pancakes sold for a whole 25 cents apiece at the Saranya's Thai food stall, look as gelatinous as poached egg whites but, in fact, there's no egg in them. Instead, they're a rich, even sumptuous, sweet made of coconut milk, rice flour, white cane sugar, salt and sweet cut corn.Known in Thailand askanom krok, the pancakes are pretty common Thai street food. They're cooked on a stove-top griddle reminiscent of a Danish Ebelskiver pan before being tossed onto a warming tray. At the Hillcrest market, they don't stay there long, not with market shoppers patiently lined up for this tantalizing breakfast dish. And, while you're there, you can pick up soups and noodles to take home.

Want to make them at home? Kasma Loha-Unchit's marvelous book, "It Rains Fishes: Legends, Traditions and the Joys of Thai Cooking," has a recipe:

If using canned coconut milk, spoon into a small saucepan 1 3/4 cup of the creamiest part from the top of three cans of coconut milk. Heat just enough to melt and smooth out the lumps. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Allow to cool before mixing in 2 1/2 Tbs. of tapioca or arrowroot flour. Stir until smooth. Set aside.

Combine the remaining coconut milk from the cans and stir until smooth, heating if necessary to melt the coagulated parts. Allow to cool. Grind the uncooked white rice in a food mill or clean coffee grinder as finely as possible. Do the same with the shredded coconut. Combine the two with the rice flour, salt and coconut milk. Stir and mix until well blended and smooth.

Heat a well-seasoned kanom krok griddle (or substitute with an Ebelskiver pancake griddle) on the stove, in a hot oven or over a small round barbecue kettle with medium-hot charcoals. When the griddle is hot, brush the surface indentations with peanut or corn oil. Wait a few seconds before spooning the salty rice mixture into each indentation to about two-thirds full. The batter should sizzle when it hits the hot metal. (If you have a teakettle with a spout, you may find it helpful as a container from which to pour the rice batter onto the griddle.)

Immediately add a dab of the sweet coconut cream mixture over the top to fill and sprinkle the center of each cake with a little bit of one of the toppings, or leave plain. Cover with a round lid and allow to cook for a few minutes, or until the pancakes are firm and crispy brown on the bottom. Remove gently with a rounded spoon. Re-grease the griddle before making the next batch. Because rice flour tends to settle, stir the coconut mixture well before pouring onto the griddle.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Who else would we have on for our Valentine's Day show but Michael Antonorsi, chef and owner of Chuao Chocolatier. He brought some dreamy chocolates by for us to taste and talk about, including his "Love Feast" for two and assorted ChocoPods, miniature chocolate bars in a variety of Chuao flavors that--get this--are only one Weight Watchers point.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Next Saturday is Valentine's Day and San Diego is brimming with places to take your special person and sweet treats to surprise them with. I've compiled a list of restaurants and other places with V Day edibles. At the bottom of the list is yet another list of websites with wonderful Valentine's Day recipes.

I'll be on KPBS radio's These Days with Maureen Clancy to talk about Valentine's Day foods on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. In San Diego, you can listen at 89.5 fm. Otherwise, go to www.kpbs.org to listen live or podcast later.

Valentine's Day Offerings in San Diego

Acqua Al 2 –3-course menu at $65 per person (does not include tax and gratuity). Seatings at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Complimentary champagne toast at the 9 p.m. seating. Acqua Al 2 will be giving roses to all of the women that evening. The menu can be viewed online.

Chuao is offering a limited edition chocolate gift called the Love Feast: a chocolate flight for two. This is a truly luxurious chocolate experience created to be shared with someone special. The exotic aphrodisiac ingredients arouse your senses and unveil the ultimate chocolate seduction.

The bakers at Con Pane are baking up something special for Valentine's day - Chocolate Bread Teddy Bears.These unusual Teddys are adorned with a red bow and nestled in a white box with red tissue and paw print tissue.It's unique way to ask, "Will you be my Valentine?"Chocolate Bread Teddy Bears will be available Friday and Saturday, February 13th and 14th. 1110 Rosecrans St., Ste 100between Avenida De Portugal and Canon St. in Pt. Loma. 619- 224-4344

Cupcakes Squared, on Voltaire in Pt. Loma, will be offering their new Chocolate Raspberry and Strawberry cupcakes for both Friday and Saturday for Valentine’s Day. Their lovely rich chocolate cupcakes are baked with fresh raspberries and topped with chocolate buttercream and raspberry buttercream. Their fresh strawberry cupcakes are made with fresh strawberry and vanilla buttercream. They're decorated with hand-made sugar hearts and rose petals.

So for anyone planning to stay at home… for $5.50 you have a romantic sweet treat for two and with a red ribbon too.

Parisian Sweetheart Valentine's Chocolate Tasting Dinner: For $65 per couple, guests will enjoy four courses of French-inspired cocoa-infused fare complete with live violin serenades. Of course we have plenty of options such as an Artisan Cheese or Charcuterie Platter and a full wine menu with course pairings. Essentially, all you need do is find a sweetheart and enjoy an immersive experience.

Skip the expensive dinner for two this Valentine’s Day and head straight to Extraordinary Desserts for a special Valentine’s quartet of decadent delights entitled ‘Be My Valentine’. Designed to be shared by two people, the limited-time ‘Be My Valentine’ dessert special will be available February 13, 14 and 15 at both Extraordinary Desserts locations (Little Italy and BalboaPark) and affordably priced at $25. The delectable quartet will be presented on an oversized plate for two and feature the following collection of romance inspired Extraordinary indulgences:

·L’Amour Chocolat - Raspberry crème brûlée and raspberry milk chocolate mousse layered between a raspberry chocolate cake. Each slice is “kissed” with a lip-shaped chocolate truffle and served alongside raspberry ice cream served in a mini tart shell and topped with fresh raspberries.

Gorgeous truffles, mini bars, flourless cupcakes and more made in Fallbrook from certified organic Peruvian cocoa beans. American technique inspired by Peruvian flavors, with no preservatives. To get your Valentine chocolates in time for Valentine’s Day, you can go to these regional farmers markets:

3-course, fixed menu for $65/person featuring foods deemed "heart healthy" by the American Heart Association. Guests can select from items such as the persimmon frisee salad, halibut sangria and buffalo tenderloin while gazing out over the peaceful San DiegoBay marina. 1380 Harbor Island Drive. To make reservations, please call (619) 291-2900.

The perfect setting for romance, ENO Wine Room focuses on the three most delectable indulgences in the world — fine wines, rare cheeses and gourmet chocolates. For a special Valentine’s Day treat, join Wine Director and Sommelier Ted Glennon on February 14 from 4pm to 5:30pm for a chocolate and wine tasting, featuring phenomenal confections by Jack Fisher and Isabella Valencia.

If you're roaming the Little Italy Mercato on Saturday, pick up a coffee drink at the big orange truck otherwise known as Joe's on the Nose and enjoy the cutest little heart-shaped foam these barristas can create -- along with a great cuppa (organic) Joe!

Lael’s Restaurant:
Lael’s is in the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, One Market Place (Harbor Dr. @ Market St.) Reservations: Taken By Lael’s Restaurant 619.358.6735. Parking: Validation is offered for either complimentary self-parking for three hours or $3 for three hours valet at the Adjacent the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.

Couples enjoy Mistral’s vibrant Mediterranean menu highlighting organic fruits and vegetables from nearby farming communities, locally-caught seafood from the Baja coastal waters and a variety of herbs from the resort’s own organic garden. On Valentine’s Day, Executive Chef Timothy A. Ralphs will offer a special four-course menu for $75 a person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are available from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and can be made by calling 619-424-4000 ext. 6300. Mistral is located in Loew’s Coronado Bay Resort. 4000 Coronado Bay Road.

Sally’s Seafood on the WaterChoice of Chef Sarah Linkenheil’s Three Course or Four Course Pre-Fix Menu Saturday, February 14, 2009 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Three Course Menu: $48 per person plus tax and gratuity Four Course Menu: $58 per person plus tax and gratuity $20 optional wine paring Full A la carte menu also available. Reservations: Taken by Sally’s Restaurant at 619.358.6740. Parking validation for either complimentary self-parking for 3 hours or $3 for three hours valet at the adjacent Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Market St. at San DiegoBay.

At Sbicca couples cuddle up by the cozy fire or relax on the ocean view terrace while they indulge in Chef Susan Sbicca’s special menu (attached) for Valentine’s Day, including a slice of seduction with the Chocolate Cherry Tango Cake with Coconut Crème. This divine dessert is to be shared by two; a decadent cake that is as provocative as pastry gets with its warm molten center, black cherries, coconut cream and caramel sauce all melted together. Couples will also enjoy extraordinary wines, fine spirits and great food in the romantic seaside village setting. 215 15th St Del Mar; 858-481-1001

On Saturday, February 14th, Sea Rocket Bistro will be offering reserved seatings for a special 4-Course Valentine's Day Prix Fixe to help you celebrate this romantic occasion. This is the menu we plan to offer, which is comprised almost entirely of new dishes not on our everyday menu, created by chef Christy. The menu will cost $45 per person and includes a complimentary glass of our house champagne but excludes tax, gratuity and other beverages. searocketbistro.com. 3382 30th Street. Although they usually have a no-reservation policy, they will be taking reservations for this special night. 619-255-7049 or e-mail elena@searocketbistro.com.

Accepting reservations for Valentine's Day. Please email: cupid@starlitesandiego.com to make a reservation for dinner. For the single people out there...we'll be offering our tasty pulled pork sliders for $2 each at the bar only. Come treat yourself to a tasty snack and who knows who'll you'll meet at the bar, right? Or just come with some friends to have a drink. 3175 India St.

Ghent Day 1: 't Vosken and Dulle Griet
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Having put away a couple of beers, we thought it would be a good time to grab a bite to eat. We headed back up to St Bavo's Square. Right next to the Dutch T...